The purpose of this clinical trial is to learn about long-term safety and long-term effects of the study medicine (called ritlecitinib) for the potential treatment of severe alopecia areata, a condition that causes hair loss. This study is seeking participants who have: * previously completed one of Pfizer's pediatric studies for Alopecia Areata (B7981027 or B7981031). * at least 50% scalp hair loss due to alopecia areata (for participants enrolling from the study B7981031). * received varicella vaccination (2 doses) or have been infected by varicella zoster virus before based on blood test reports. All participants in this study will receive the study medicine (ritlecitinib). Participants who received ritlecitinib higher or lower doses in the parent Study B7981027 will continue receiving the same ritlecitinib dose in this trial. Participants who received placebo in the parent Study B7981027 and all participants from parent Study B7981031 will receive either higher or lower dose of ritlecitinib in this trial. The study medicine is a capsule that is taken by mouth. It is taken 1 time each day at home. The study will help see if ritlecitinib is safe and effective. Participants will take part in this study for a duration of up to 3 years (36 months). During this time, they will have 17 study visits at the study clinic. The study team will also call participants once a month over the phone.
Phase 3 trials are pivotal studies with large patient populations (hundreds to thousands) designed to prove efficacy and safety for FDA submission. A successful Phase 3 readout is typically the last major hurdle before a New Drug Application (NDA) or BLA filing.
Currently recruiting: the trial is enrolling patients. A data readout is not expected until after enrollment closes and the follow-up period is complete.
Pfizer Inc (PFE) is the sponsoring company for this trial. BiotechSign currently grades this company F (33/100) based on composite catalyst signals across its full pipeline. This trial is one data point in that overall catalyst picture.